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JEDI Salutes Local Entrepreneurs

Amid an impressive list of entrepreneurs, the Jefferson Economic Development Institute ( JEDI) handed out its Innovation Awards during Friday night's annual ceremony at Sons of Italy Hall in Weed.

All the nominees were credited for their tenaciousness and courage to be a business owner in these times. The evening's winners were Pauline Uri of Mt. Shasta Reflexology-- Microenterprise of the Year; Terez Maniatis & Lori Oliver of Native Grounds Nursery & Garden Center-- Employer of the Year; Pistol Bray & Richard Conroy of Shasta Forest Products, Inc--Business with a Social Purpose; Robin Kohn of Mount Shasta Guide to Fun--Stewardship Award; and Bethany Hannah of Loomis Hannah Wordsmithing--Techquity Entrepreneur of the Year.

All the winners had essentially the same message: they couldn't be where they are today without JEDI, a non-profit organization who says its mission is “to increase the economic well-being of people and communities through business development and local wealth creation.” “They are a great resource for this community. They helped us in the very early days to pencil out whether we could afford to start this nursery. Without that exercise, we may never have had the courage” states Ms. Maniatis. Pauline Uri wiped away a tear of gratitude and surprise as she received her award. Ms. Kohn said, “Without JEDI, the Stewardship Fund grant, and the help of others, I could not have published this book. It’s a dream come true.”

“Our theme tonight is A Salute to Entrepreneurs: Local Heroes Defying the Odds” said JEDI Executive Director Nancy Swift to applause from the packed hall. “Celebrating the creative and courageous efforts of local businesses to provide jobs and expand our local economy.”

All of this year's 17 business nominees and the 22 Techquity Award recipients were honored before the winners were announced.

The social hour entertainment was provided by “Ishera” with Carolyn Nayana Hedger writing a song especially for JEDI. Businesses displayed their wares including: Thread Wise, Honey Wine Clay, GS Saddles & Tack, Foragers Floral Design, Wes Brown Small Engine and Boat Repair, Loomis Hannah Wordsmithing, Top Services Mt. Shasta, Healthy Gardens, Living Shasta Photography and Alpaca Farm & Jewelry. Success stories from clients were viewed through a video, a dance performance courtesy of The Flying Lotus Community Activation Center and a poetry salute written by Elena Jones. All the delicious food was catered by Café Maddalena.

“I look forward to seeing each of you on Main Street, shopping at the local businesses and making your investment in the future economy” Swift said in closing. The event is the only community fundraiser for JEDI and the organization reported they rose over $8,000.

JEDI Clients Creating Local Jobs - at 1/20 the Cost of Stimulus Plan

Even in Bad Economy, Entrepreneurs Creating Local Jobs

Last year - in the face of the worst economy in decades - Jefferson Economic Development Institute (JEDI) clients created approximately 150 full and part time jobs in Siskiyou county - at a cost of less than $2,500 per job.

By contrast, non-partisan economists suggest jobs created by the just-signed federal economic stimulus package will cost approximately $60,000 -$70,000 each (figures as high as $200,000+ have been cited, but seem to have been discredited).

Existing state programs? They expect job creation to cost approximately $35,000.

In recessionary periods, small and micro-businesses provide critical job growth - especially in rural areas, which often don't benefit significantly from stimulus spending. JEDI provides business services to this essential segment of the business world, supporting entrepreneurs, some of whom may have been laid off and want to retain control of their own financial destiny.

While JEDI's economic development mission draws little fanfare, it has consistently - and cost-effectively - created jobs and wealth in Siskiyou County.

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Forclosure Information

Do you want help saving your home? Do you think you might get behind on your mortgage payment? You can set an appointment with a JEDI Counselor. Read the attached

Informational Handout

just click on the word informational handout for more information

Forclosure Scam Tips

just click on the word Forclosure Scam Tips for handout

Two website resources:

www.makinghomeaffordable.com

and

www.financialstability.com

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McCloud Corner

McCloud Economic Initiative Report

McCloud Post Survey Meeting 1-8-2009

Shuman McCloud Notes 11-3-2008

To become a JEDI client and receive all the services JEDI offers; complete the application and mail or bring into the JEDI office at 403 Berry Street, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067 for mailing P.O. Box 1586 Mt. Shasta, CA 96067. (application is in a pdf format)